Un Petit Rant (how to ruin several languages at once)

Today, after work, I headed out to my second home, Ironwood Cancer and Research Center, to get my CT with contrast and get measured and fitted for my possible radiation treatments.

Again, never having had the contrast (and it's iodine, if not iodine-based), I was a bit nervous, and also because today would be the first use of the infusion port.  I LOVE MY PORT!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, now that we have that part over, may I just have a short rant on CT's in general?  Yes, they are relatively quick and easy, yes, they are an important part of knowing what's going on deep inside your body, but CAN WE PLEASE HAVE SOME FREAKING LUMBAR SUPPORT???

Wow, I'm thinking the iodine has made me into some raving malcontent.  But seriously, if they expect you to lie on your back for 20-30 minutes on a very hard board, and kids, it IS 2010, can't they figure out a way to do it so that you don't have to bite your lip because of the back pain?

I had to stop and get some albuterol half way through, too, as I don't breathe well flat on my back.  But that worked out fine, and I guess I'll be taking my puffer with me if we do the radiation treatments.  A pre-radiation dose is probably going to help get me through. :)

The Bard Power Port is what I have, and yes, apparently infusionistas prefer it hands-down.  I wish I could describe the needle contraption that they use with it.  It is so amazing to have an IV and not have all the anxiety of having to find a vein and hope for the best.  Yep, this thing is awesome!  Best part of all is that it gets flushed with saline and doesn't need Heparin!  WOOHOO!

I really do think that iodine is making me giddy, or maybe it's lack of food.  Jane just called me to dinner, so let's go try to eat!

Have a fabulous evening, everyone!

The Cadillac of Ports...

Yes, today was the surgery to install the infusion port, and apparently, I have gotten the best of the best.  MINE doesn't have to have Heparin washes!   Ok, I know what heparin is... anticoagulant?  So, I assume they shoot up a little of that prior to infusion to make sure the way is clear, or something.

You know, it may not be the best time to be writing anything on this Blog, as I'm not sure I'm no longer under the influence of anesthesia.  Alas, I shall proceed.  Paramount Surgery Center was pretty decent.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but the staff was fantastic and the nurses were awesome, especially my pre-op nurse who searched tirelessly for a vein in which to put my IV.

My anesthesiologist was apparently just awarded doctor of the month by Banner Gateway, and was making sure everyone knew it; not in a pompous way, either.  He was a sweetie. 

After the surgery, several of the nurses were ooh'ing and ahh'ing about my infusion port, which is how I learned that they consider it top-notch. Once I get more lucid and feel like finding the information which came with it, I'll let you all know what it is.  Oh, I felt it!  Granted, I don't want to go running my fingers over the incision area, but I just barely traced over it, and you can feel it.  I wonder if you can see it.  Be right back....

Nope, it's not protruding or anything, but of course, it's still looking kinda post surgery ickky.  And I think I'm going to go to bed.  I had some of the tortilla soup broth for dinner... oh lordy that was good!  But it's been a long day, and tomorrow I have the appointment with the Radiation Oncologist.  Sigh.